Brainstorming is an effective tool to stimulate ideas from individuals or groups in a spontaneous fashion. To generate the next big idea from a successful brainstorm session, you need some tactics in facilitation.

How to Be an Efficient Facilitator

Photo by Emily Morter on Unsplash

To facilitate a successful brainstorming session, here are some tips:

  • Devote time to smart questions

To-the-point questions that will maximize the productivity of a brainstorm session. Be sure to paint a clear picture of the goals and switch on the problem-solving mode.

  • Quantity is central

The aim of brainstorming is to generate as many ideas as possible. Get the ball rolling and prompt voices from every attendee. Keeping the momentum will ignite the participants' creative spark.

  • Withhold judgement

The pool of ideas might shrink if there is a fear of criticism. Create a safe and comfortable environment for participants to speak up. Let ideas flow in an air of energy and encouragement.

  • Embrace wildness

Never has a big idea bowed to the norm. Sow a seed of the potential and let ideas fly. Welcome perspectives from a diverse group of people - you will be amazed by innovative and fresh ideas.

  • Build, blend, and extend

Build upon existing responses is an efficient strategy to generate a solution. Allow ideas to flow, blend, and extend. A sketch of the answer will start to emerge.

Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

Quiz

When someone is too shy to voice his/her thought out in your group, what would be helpful to elicit ideas?

Tricks to Elicit Ideas

  • Break down the process

    You can try to break down the process if the participants feel clueless or burdened. Dividing the big picture into small pieces and choosing one area to focus on is helpful to boost efficiency.

  • Reverse brainstorming

    Instead of thinking of what helps you capture the target, try to find out what hurdles prevent you. Taking the opposite stance will give you a fresh route to your goals.

  • Free writing

    This approach encourages members to jot down anything that comes to their minds. Participants are given a defined time (5-10 minutes) to write continuously and anonymously. New angles and novel ideas are more easily to emerge in a free and comfortable environment.

Quiz

How can you get ideas as many as possible in brainstorming?

Take Action

Photo by Breno Machado on Unsplash

Brainstorming will not always lead to a satisfactory solution, unless it is facilitated in a well-structured approach. Fuel your brainstorming session by trying the above tactics, and you will find a clearer pathway towards the goal.

Which of these tips will you try at your next brainstorm session?

License:

Your feedback matters to us.

This Byte helped me better understand the topic.

Get support to take action on this Byte